Leo Clair Williams

Leo Clair Williams, 87, passed away Sunday, May 1, 2022 at his home in Roy, Utah. He was born on March 19, 1935 in Malad, Idaho to Leo Thomas Williams and Joy Kent.

Clair, as he was known, spent his childhood in Clifton and Downy Idaho. He spent his summers working on the family farm and enjoyed an occasional swim in the canal. When Clair was 14 years old his mother died. A few years later Leo married Ordus Mae White, who became a wonderful mother and later grandmother to Clair and his family.

Clair graduated from West Side High School in Dayton, ID in 1953. He enjoyed participating in many sports, student government and other school activities. After High School, he began his studies at Utah State University. In 1955 Clair was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the East Central States Missions which included Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. After returning from his mission Clair resumed his studies and served in the US Army and Reserves. While at Utah State he met Carolyn Munk in, fittingly, a chemistry class. The two were married on July 22, 1959 in the Logan Temple.

After they were married, Clair and Carolyn moved to Brigham City where Clair worked for Thiokol Chemical Corporation and returned to school part time towards an eventual Master’s degree in Engineering. As their family grew, they moved to Seattle, Bountiful and eventually Centerville where they raised their 5 children on two acres on Chase Lane.

Clair worked for Thiokol Chemical Corporation, Boeing Aircraft Corporation and eventually began working at Hill Air Force Base where he worked as a mechanical engineer for the next 28 years. Clair and Carolyn spent later years in Bountiful and Liberty Utah, ultimately settling in Perry, UT where they lived for 22 years.

Clair was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and served in many callings including Bishop. He particularly loved his callings as Scoutmaster. Clair and Carolyn served two missions, the first to the Baltic States and the second to Martin’s Cove. They also spent years of dedicated service in the Ogden and Brigham City Temples.

Clair wrote once “I have become strongly convinced that the most important characteristic of a family is how they get along together”. Words cannot express the wonderful influence Clair had upon his children and grandchildren as he gently taught this, and many good principles, in word and by example. He enjoyed sports and outdoor activities with family and friends including camping, waterskiing, snow skiing and playing softball. He liked to have a plan and was organized in every aspect of his life. Along with his deeply committed relationship with God, of utmost importance to him were his wife and children. He would go to great lengths spending time teaching and encouraging his children and grandchildren in all aspects of their life. He saw their potential and supported them in their studies and endeavors. His children appreciated his firm but loving guidance in their youth, and his continued support and wise counsel through life challenges. This close bond of love endures among his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and is a legacy of his great example.

Clair is survived by his wife Carolyn Edith Williams, daughters, Marianne Walker (James), Joylyn Furner (Paul), Wynette Bruns (Cliff), sons, Bradley Clair Williams (Janel), Kyle Norman Williams (Anjeanette) as well as 28 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, his brothers Darrell Allen Williams, Nathan Dwight Williams (MaryAnne), sister Anna Williams Weber (Larry), and many nieces and nephews. Clair is preceded in death by his parents Leo Thomas Williams, Joy Kent Williams, Ordus Mae White, as well as brother Reed Kent and sister Joylene.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, 11am, at the Russon Brothers Mortuary located at 1585 W 300 S Syracuse, Utah. There will be a viewing prior to services from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Burial will follow at the Logan Cemetery.